2026 Equinox ACTIV Review: More Than Just a Trim Level?

A "Cadillac-Level" Interior: Join me for a full tour of the Equinox ACTIV's interior, where the premium materials and suede seats might just make you forget you're in a Chevy. - 2026 CHEVROLET EQUINOX | BUYERS GUIDE The Equinox is Chevy's compact SUV and one of the better-equipped vehicles in its class for the money. For 2026 it comes in three trims: LT, ACTIV, and RS. All three seat five and run the same engine, so picking a trim comes down to looks and feature content. POWERTRAIN Every Equinox uses a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 175 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive models pair it with a CVT and make 184 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel-drive models swap in an 8-speed automatic and make 203 lb-ft. The 8-speed is the better gearbox if shift feel matters to you. Properly equipped, any Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds. This is a commuter and a family hauler. It moves a full load comfortably and never feels quick, so set your expectations there. PRICING LT starts at $28,800 with front-wheel drive and $30,800 with all-wheel drive. ACTIV and RS both start at $33,600 front-wheel drive and $35,600 all-wheel drive. Add a $1,995 destination charge to any of those. A loaded AWD ACTIV or RS with packages and premium paint climbs into the low $40,000s. THE THREE TRIMS LT is the value trim and the volume seller. It comes with cloth seats, single-zone climate, 17-inch wheels, and a manual liftgate. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start are standard. LT is the only trim that offers the Midnight Edition, a blacked-out appearance package with 19-inch wheels. ACTIV is the rugged-look trim. It's the only Equinox fitted with all-terrain tires, and it adds 17-inch Dark Android wheels, standard roof rails, and a Maple Sugar interior with sueded microfiber that no other trim offers. RS is the sporty-look trim. It gets a flat-bottom steering wheel, gloss-black exterior trim, standard 19-inch wheels with 20-inch wheels available, roof rails, and Black with Red accent seating. ACTIV and RS cost the same and carry the same standard equipment, including Convenience Package II built in. The decision between them is the look you want. ACTIV gives you all-terrain capability and the outdoor stance. RS gives you bigger wheels and the sport stance. STANDARD SAFETY Chevy makes this part easy. Every Equinox includes adaptive cruise control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic braking, reverse automatic braking, rear park assist, and a safety alert seat. Adaptive cruise standard across the whole line is the headline here. Plenty of rivals still charge for it. STANDARD TECH Every trim gets an 11.3-inch center display with Google Built-In, an 11-inch driver information screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, active noise cancellation, and OnStar Basics for eight years. SiriusXM and the Wi-Fi hotspot come as trials, then move to paid plans. THE OPTIONS THAT MATTER Convenience Package II is standard on ACTIV and RS and optional on LT. It adds a power driver seat with power lumbar, wireless charging, dual-zone climate, rain-sensing wipers, and a hands-free power liftgate. If you're shopping an LT, this is the box to check. Convenience Package III is available on ACTIV and RS only. It brings ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a power passenger seat, and memory settings. The Safety and Technology Package, available on every trim, adds HD Surround Vision, a rear camera mirror, traffic sign recognition, rear pedestrian alert, and front fog lamps for under a thousand dollars. A panoramic sunroof is optional across the line. WHO BUYS WHICH Buy the LT if you want the strongest value and you're willing to add Convenience Package II yourself. Buy the ACTIV if you want the outdoor look and all-terrain tires. Buy the RS if you want the sporty look and the bigger wheels. Order all-wheel drive if you see snow or want the 8-speed automatic. Cross-shop the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-50, and Hyundai Tucson. The Equinox competes hard on equipment per dollar, and the standard safety list is one of the best in the class. MikesCarInfo.com - Your mind is not public property. Guard Your Autonomy book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX5B1LDX -